DeWitt Pritchard

JrMARIETTA Liston DeWitt Pritchard Jr. passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2013, at the age of 81.DeWitt was born on Sept. 6, 1931 in Chattanooga. After graduating from City High School and the University of Chattanooga, he joined the US Navy and following graduation from OCS, served in full time active duty as a Lieutenant on the USS Wasp aircraft carrier for 3.5 years and as a reservist for an additional 20 years. Following active duty in the Navy, DeWitt resumed his career with Sears Roebuck & Co that had started on a part time basis while in college. His 37-year career with Sears started in Chattanooga and included stops along the way in Macon, Ga., Montgomery, Ala., Greensboro, N.C., Chicago, Ill., and eventually to Atlanta, in 1980, where he finished his distinguished career as Territorial Controller for the Southeastern Region in 1989. While living in Macon, DeWitt married Rita Vincent of Miami, Fla., on Dec. 27, 1958. They enjoyed a long and fruitful Christ centered marriage through his passing on Wednesday (54+ years). Their only child (son) Lee was born in Montgomery in 1962. In addition to DeWitts interests in sports playing basketball in high school and college and competitive tennis into his 40s -- DeWitt was always an active member of his churches. His talents spanned music ministry, teaching, youth ministry, and various committee leadership/elder roles. His gentleness, warm smile, and words of encouragement were an inspiration to all and he truly radiated with the love of Christ. In his later years, DeWitts pride and joy was his sons family --- Lee and his wife of 27 years, Lisa, and their children Jessica, Greer, Sam, and Kate and he was a big presence and influence on their life and faith. He is also survived by his brother Dennis N. Pritchard and wife, Carolyn of Cumming, Ga., and numerous admiring nieces and nephews. There was no hint of retirement, as DeWitt remained active in personal financial planning with Olsen & Associates and in Ritas business in Adairsville, Ga., the 1902 Stock Exchange.Family will receive friends 24 p.m. Sunday at Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home and Crematory in Marietta.A Memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Monday at Mt. Paran Central Chapel in Atlanta with Dr. Cooper and Dr. Hawkins officiating.In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Winship Melanoma & Skin Cancer Fund.Please make checks payable to Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, 1762 Clifton Rd. NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA, 30322.www.mayeswarddobbins.com.